UD Study Abroad in New Zealand: Sustainable Food Production

Hokey Pokey ice cream is a beloved flavor that originated in New Zealand and has become a go-to dessert for Kiwis. Often enjoyed in the summer, Hokey Pokey ice cream carries a sense of nostalgia for many, and is tied to many families’ traditions. The flavor was first created in 1953 by Brian Simon, whose father owned an ice cream factory. Interestingly, the term "Hokey Pokey" predates the ice cream flavor itself. Originally, it referred to any flavor of ice cream sold by street vendors, often Italian immigrants, who were known as "hokey pokey men." By the late 1800s, the term evolved to specifically describe honeycomb toffee in New Zealand.  Hokey Pokey ice cream is more than just a treat, it’s a part of New Zealand’s cultural identity. You’ll find it in nearly every supermarket, corner store, and ice cream shop across the country, often as a classic option alongside other Kiwi favorites. Over the years, it’s become so ingrained in the culture that it has even made ...

I have quite an extensive bucket list for this trip. We have so many opportunities to experience things that are impossible in the States. The first one I crossed off was stargazing. New Zealand has significantly lower levels of light pollution making it much easier to look up and find the constellations every night (but they’re a little harder to find since they’re upside down). The second item on my list was discovering new flavors of coffee. The first place to help me with my mission was Little River Cafe.  On January 11th, on our way to the beach town of Akaroa, we went to a small shop and cafe to get a quick breakfast and caffeine fix. The little coffee shop was set in a valley, surrounded by a ring of mountains so tall they cut through the clouds. This small shop was then bombarded with around 40 hangry, uncaffeinated, college students that only had 30 minutes to order and eat. The scenery was idyllic and a perfect place to stop and get some breakfast. Inside there were a sur...

Down on the not-so-wee Canterbury Plains lives a unique farmer, Hamish Marr. Hamish runs a 500-hectare arable family-run farm. He is one of very few farmers who processes feed and sells it internationally, while also grazing sheep and dairy on lush fertile land. When I first met Hamish I was astounded by all of his many achievements throughout his life as not only a farmer, but also as an international trade ambassador. Some of his many accomplishments include Livestock Improvement Corporation Board, Federated Farmers, New Zealand Seeds Authority Chair, Nuffield scholar, and Seed Grower of the Year.  Not only are his achievements noteworthy, but also are his character and passion towards agriculture. As we walked his beautiful green farm, Hamish repeatedly noted that “farming is the same everywhere, but different.” In his international travels he finds appreciation in the culture of agriculture throughout the world. He also reflects on using the land for its intended purpose and ho...

On January 10 our group ventured into Christchurch for an unforgettable adventure: “waka on the Avon.” In Māori, waka means canoe, and Avon is the post-colonial name given to the river that runs throughout Christchurch. However, the Māori name for the river is Ōtākaro. Upon arriving in town, we followed the river down to the canoe company’s site. The talk of our bunched up group was interrupted suddenly by a belting Māori voice. One of the workers, a young man and Māori tribe member, proceeded to perform a speech of three messages: a welcome, a prayer for good wind and luck on the river, and a thank you to the Gods. Our group was split into two; one went down to the docked waka on the river while the other, my group, went with a tour guide.  Our guide, also a member of a Māori tribe, provided fascinating insight on the Māori people, the history of the waka, and the role Māori tribes have in shaping Christchurch. She explained how the large canoes have been a vital part of transport...

 Shay's Birthday Longfield Farm - our lecture spot looking out over the Rakaia River gorge Longfield Farm produces lots of grass and other seeds to export to Philadelphia! Through the bus window on the way to Mt. Somers Station Mt. Somers Station Meeting one of "heading" dogs at Mt. Somers Station

Walking into the city of Christchurch, one of the first sites that hit me was the injured, yet resilient Christchurch Cathedral located in the heart of the city. This beautiful stone church, currently held up by support beams crisscrossing throughout, embodies the soul of the “Shaken City”. A view of the Christchurch Cathedral, stabilized by support beams. Christchurch suffered a devastating earthquake in February of 2011, decimating hundreds of buildings and taking many lives. Many residents were forced to relocate and businesses shut down. Yet in a little over a decade, Christchurch has rebuilt itself, with reinforced “quake-proof” buildings that showcase the resilience of modern engineering.  Our group first arrived in Christchurch all together on Friday, January 10th to experience rowing in a “waka” or Maori canoe. Here, our Maori guides gave us a brief history of Christchurch, its indigenous roots and influence, and taught our team how to row a waka! Our group rowing a “w...

Located in the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand, the Christchurch Botanical Gardens is a place of tranquility for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a beautiful view. Spanning over 51 acres, the gardens are a perfect representation of how lush and green New Zealand’s landscape is. As I entered the garden I was first faced with the tall, vibrant, and intricate Peacock Fountain. The jets of water flew gracefully from the topmost tier and cascaded down, creating a relaxing sound that hides the noise of the surrounding city. After moving through the garden, I walked past the herbaceous border. It showcases an array of gorgeous perennials that vary in size, color, and shape. I was delighted to see a number of plants that I have recognized and studied, back home, at the University of Delaware. I would frequently point out the plants I knew, in their latin name, and was impressed with how many I could recall. It added a sense of pride and connection to my visit. As I conti...